JP2007528785A - Fluorescent lamp disposal system - Google Patents

Abstract

  A chemical waste recovery and disposal system for fluorescent lamps that allows for safe recovery and disposal of crushed or crushed fluorescent lamps while recovering nearly 100% of the hazardous mercury vapor contained in the lamps. The fluorescent lamp is inserted into the drum, broken into pieces by one or more blades, and the debris falls to the bottom of the drum. Mercury vapor emitted from the crushed fluorescent lamp is pushed out of the drum by the negative / positive pressure generated by the vacuum / filter assembly. Through a filter assembly that includes a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, gases that are virtually 100% free of mercury toxins can escape into the environment.

Description

[Background of the invention]
The present invention relates generally to the recovery, storage and disposal of chemical waste, particularly on cruise ships and cargo ships, and in particular, the recovery, storage and disposal of fluorescent lamps and the mercury released from said fluorescent lamps. Regarding the recovery of steam.

  There are several problems associated with the recovery and disposal of fluorescent lamps that generate waste on board, generally on large ships. On-board chemical waste recovery and disposal system operators, or sailors, are often ignorant of the proper usage of today's waste recovery systems. Such operators are typically unaware of safe and compliant handling practices for waste and are therefore unable to adequately address chemical waste storage, movement, leakage, or spillage.

  In addition, common methods for seafarers to dispose of fluorescent lamps do not include the use of onboard chemical waste collection and disposal systems. Instead, a common method is to dispose of the fluorescent lamp with common non-chemical waste. This technique can break down fluorescent lamps and release mercury vapor from the fluorescent lamps to contaminate adjacent areas, thereby spreading poison in the crew's work area, as well as serious health hazards and safety. It can also cause violations of standards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established acceptable exposure limits (PEL) for several air pollutants in the Federal Regulations on Labor and Industry (29CFR 1910.1000). PEL is based on a time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of 8 hours. Of an 8-hour work shift of 40 hours per week, employee exposure to a substance must not exceed the 8-hour TWA PEL set for that substance. For substances with a ceiling value, the concentration should not exceed that limit at any point during exposure during work. In the case of mercury, OSHA PEL is 0.1 mg / m ³ (C) according to 29C.F.R.1910.1000 (z) (2).

  Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide a chemical waste collection, storage, and disposal system for safe handling of fluorescent lamps when their useful life is exhausted.

  The object of the present invention is therefore an effective solution to the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

[Summary of Invention]
The present invention comprises a drum can or container such as a 55 gallon (208.2 liter) Department of Transportation (DOT) standard drum, a drum can lid assembly having a handle on the top, a bottom, an internal hollow volume, a fluorescent lamp tube. Including a fixed lamp tube on the drum can lid for insertion, a motor assembly attached to the drum can lid, a vacuum / filter unit, preferably attached to the side closer to the top of the drum can, and a filter located on the outside near the top of the drum can Preferably, a chemical waste collection and disposal system for fluorescent lamps is provided.

The lamp disposal system is preferably capable of being attached to a drum can to allow safe recovery and disposal of properly ground fluorescent lamps while recovering nearly 100% or at least a substantial amount of hazardous mercury vapor. . Discard fluorescent lamps of any length or shape, including standard diameter 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) and 1.219 meters (4 feet) or 2.438 meters (8 feet) and U-shaped lamps can do. When using a standard 55 gallon (208.2 liter) drum, the present invention can dispose of approximately 600 1.219 meter (4 foot) lamps, although such numbers are not limiting. Absent. Thus, using the present invention, standard 1.219 meter (4 feet) and 2.438 meter (8 feet) lamps, 2.54 centimeter (1 inch) lamps, and other shapes Any length of fluorescent lamp, including the lamp, can be safely collected and stored.

  In use, a fluorescent lamp is inserted into an opening in a fixed lamp tube assembly or other lamp feeder that is preferably located at the top of the tube disposal system. When reaching the lower opening of the fixed lamp tube or feeder, the fluorescent lamp strikes a spinner assembly or the like driven by a motor assembly. One or more blades of the spinner assembly shatter the fluorescent lamp while rotating at a sufficient number of revolutions per second, and the debris accumulates at the bottom of the drum.

  It is preferred that at least a substantial amount, preferably approximately 100%, of the mercury vapor emitted from the crushed fluorescent lamp is pushed out of the drum by the positive pressure generated by the vacuum / filter assembly. Upon passing through the vacuum / filter assembly, the vapor preferably exits the vacuum / filter assembly and enters an activated carbon filter, other filtration assembly, or the like. As gas and vapor pass through the activated carbon filter, mercury toxins remain on the activated carbon filter, so that gases and vapors that are substantially free of mercury toxins escape from the vent member.

  The control unit of the present invention makes it possible to safely discard the fluorescent lamp while maintaining the mercury concentration within the ceiling value defined by OSHA. Preferably, one lamp is inserted into the assembly at a time. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that multiple lamps are inserted into the assembly at a time (ie, into multiple tube feeders or into a single tube feeder of sufficient size to receive multiple lamps). Is considered. In such alternative embodiments, the size of components such as tube assemblies are adjusted accordingly. It is also within the scope of the present invention to use the present invention for the disposal of other high-risk objects such as but not limited to other lamps and bulbs. In these alternative uses, where applicable, certain components, such as activated carbon, are replaced with more appropriate chemicals necessary to neutralize or store additional hazardous materials that may not be mercury. May be.

  Thus, the present invention provides a 55 gallon (208.2 liter) drum, drum can lid assembly, a fixed lamp tube on the drum can lid for containing a fluorescent lamp tube, a motor assembly attached to the drum can lid, preferably near the top of the drum can. A chemical waste recovery and disposal system for fluorescent lamps is provided that preferably includes a vacuum / filter unit attached to the side and a filter located on the outside near the top of the drum. This system allows for safe recovery and disposal of crushed or crushed fluorescent lamps while recovering nearly 100% of the hazardous mercury vapor contained in the lamp. Fluorescent lamps of any length can be discarded, such as a standard 2.54 centimeter (1 inch) and 1.219 meter (4 feet) or 2.438 meter (8 feet) long lamp. In use, a fluorescent lamp is inserted into the opening of the fixed lamp tube assembly. Upon reaching the lower opening of the fixed lamp tube, the fluorescent lamp strikes a spinner assembly driven by a motor assembly. One or more blades of the spinner assembly shatter the fluorescent lamp while rotating at a sufficient number of revolutions per second, and the debris accumulates at the bottom of the drum. Mercury vapor emitted from the crushed fluorescent lamp is preferably pushed out of the drum by the positive pressure generated by the vacuum / filter assembly. Upon passing through the vacuum / filter assembly, the vapor preferably exits the vacuum / filter assembly and enters an activated carbon filter or the like. As gas and vapor pass through the activated carbon filter, the mercury toxins remain in the activated carbon filter, so the gas and vapor escape from the vent member with virtually no mercury toxins.

In summary, the present invention, which can be regarded as a light bulb or lamp compactor, has three main components: (1) a bulb crushing or grinding assembly, (2) a vapor filtration assembly such as a mercury vapor filter assembly, and (3) waste. It can consist of a collection drum or a container. The grinding assembly is preferably attached directly to the top of the recovery drum can by the drum lid portion of the grinding assembly. A seal can be formed by providing a sealing member such as a rubber gasket at a connection point between the drum lid and the recovery drum. The crushing assembly also includes a motor attached to the top of the drum can lid, preferably a shaft with one or more blades attached by a sealed opening extending at one end to the motor and into the drum can lid. Is positioned in the drum for crushing or crushing the inserted bulb, lamp, etc. (collectively referred to as “bulb” or “lamp” throughout the specification and claims).

  Two openings for inserting the bulb may be provided. The first opening is preferably opened in a fixed tube feeder with or without extensions for supplying straight tube fluorescent bulbs of various lengths. The second opening is preferably composed of a box-shaped or rectangular opening-shaped member for supplying circular, U-shaped and other non-straight bulbs. Preferably, any bulb opening can be sealed when not in use.

  The filtration assembly can be attached to the drum by any conventional removable or non-removable attachment method, such as brackets, hooks, welds, bands, etc., all of which are considered within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the filter assembly may be physically supported on the top of the drum or drum lid by a bracket member, such as but not limited to a metal bracket. Preferably, the filter assembly comprises a multi-stage filter member. Preferably, one end of a flexible hose member or other conduit can be attached to the drum can lid (to form a seal connection) so that air and mercury vapor can be withdrawn from the crushed bulb. The opposite end of the hose communicates with the filter member for the first stage of the multi-stage filtration process. When the filter assembly motor is actuated, a vacuum is generated (negative pressure) to move air and steam in the drum through the hose to the filter assembly. After passing through a series of filters, clean and safe air is exhausted from the openings in the filter assembly.

  The hose member may be a vacuum hose such as, but not limited to, a plastic bellows vacuum hose having a diameter of about 5.08 centimeters (2 inches). A pressure gauge for reading or measuring the pressure level or the degree of vacuum generated in the drum can is preferably provided on the drum lid. If the pressure gauge reading is low, this may indicate a blockage or other potential problem with one or more of the filter members or hoses, or the possibility of a crushing unit or drum leak. In either embodiment, the present invention can be tilted to an angle of about 45 °, without limitation, using a specially designed dolly, which may impact or otherwise impinge on the ceiling of the room in which the present invention may be located. It makes it possible to feed a long straight pipe to the machine without interfering in form.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a chemical waste recovery and disposal system that can be easily operated by crew members of cruise ships or large ships.

  It is another object to provide a chemical waste storage and disposal system that enables safe and compliant chemical waste storage.

  It is a further object to provide a chemical waste and storage system that can be easily transported outboard for removal and disposal.

  It is a further object to provide a chemical waste and storage system that can be easily transferred from drum to drum.

  It is a further object of the present invention to allow safe collection and disposal of fluorescent lamps.

  It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a chemical waste and disposal system in which mercury particles and mercury vapor emitted from fluorescent lamps are stored safely at the time of disposal.

  It is a further object to provide an economical transport of chemical waste in unit quantities as close to 208.2 liters (55 gallons) as possible for the cost effective operation of the system.

  The above objects and advantages and further objects and advantages of the system of the present invention will become apparent from the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

  The invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings.

[Detailed description of the drawings]
A first embodiment of the present chemical waste collection and disposal system comprises 208.2 liters (55 gallons) D.I. O. A drum can lid assembly 10 is provided that is preferably attached to a drum or other housing, such as a T standard drum 20, which can have a drum can bottom 14, a drum can exterior 12, and a drum can interior hollow volume 16. The drum lid assembly 10 includes at least one handle, preferably two handles 22, and a fixed lamp tube 38 that is preferably shaped to correspond to the shape of the fluorescent lamp or other article to be inserted.

  The fixed lamp tube 38 is preferably adjacent to the motor assembly 30. The motor assembly 30 can be in a 120V or 220V configuration and can be powered by an electrical cord, although other power configurations, including battery power, are within the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed lamp tube 38 preferably has an opening at the top for allowing the fluorescent lamp 70 to be inserted preferably vertically into the opening. Upon reaching the lower opening of the fixed lamp tube 38, the fluorescent lamp strikes a spinner assembly 36 connected to a shaft 34 driven by a motor assembly 30. The blades of the spinner assembly 36 break the fluorescent lamp into pieces while rotating at a sufficient number of revolutions per second, and the debris falls through the drum can cover or lid opening to the bottom of the drum.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mercury vapor emitted from the crushed fluorescent lamp is 55 gallons (208) through the flexible hose 52 due to the positive pressure generated by the mercury vapor recovery system featuring the high efficiency vacuum system 50. .2 liters) can be extracted from the drum. The vacuum / filter assembly 50 is preferably attached to a 55 gallon (208.2 liter) drum by a bracket 40. The high-efficiency vacuum system 50 is a specially treated H.P. that captures virtually 100% of mercury-contaminated white powder that is considered dangerous. E. P. An A filter is preferably included. It should be understood that other suitable conventional filters may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the filter is replaced periodically.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when drawn through the vacuum / filter assembly 50, the vapor subsequently exits the vacuum / filter assembly through the flexible hose 58 and is then specially processed for the final removal of hazardous mercury vapor. Preferably, the activated carbon filtration system 60 is entered. Other conventional filtration systems can also be used and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. As the gas and vapor pass through the activated carbon filter 60, they are exhausted from the vent 62 as non-contaminated air free of harmful mercury toxins, which are stored or neutralized by the filter.

In the first embodiment, the present invention includes the following parts and components. That is,
I. Main drum can lid assembly (a) Lid with fixed lamp tube (b) Lamp tube, loose, with funnel top (c) Lid handles (2 pcs), 1 / 4-20 x 2.54 cm ( 1 inch) and 5.08 centimeter (2 inch) screws and lock nuts II. Motor assembly (a) Motor, replacement, 120v, upper disk, washer, lock nut, with switch, no cord (b) Motor, replacement, 120v, upper disk, washer, lock nut, switch, short cord and length With dimension code (c) Motor, replacement, 120 / 220v, upper disk, washer, lock nut, with switch, without cord (c) Motor, replacement, 120 / 220v, upper disk, washer, lock nut, switch, (E) with spinner assembly, hub, cable, and set screw (f) electrical cord, 18-3 SJT, 12.19 meters (40 feet), with wire nut and strain relief (g ) Cord, short size, for vacuum filter cable and connector (15.24 cm (6 inch) cord)
(H) With switch, on / off toggle switch, nut and legend plate, wire nut III. Filter / vacuum part (a) Vacuum unit, connectorized cord and screw for mounting on bracket (b) Vacuum mounting bracket (c) Bracket mounting spacer (3 pcs), 3/4 diameter x 2.54 Centimeter (1 inch)
(D) Hose, inlet replacement, with tapered end piece (e) Hose, outlet replacement, with tapered end piece (f) Hose grommets (2 pcs), lid and carbon canister (g) Filter bag, disposable Pre-filter, 5 sets (h) HEPA final filter, cartridge, each (i) end plate, weld, inlet (j) end plate, weld, outlet (k) decal on filter / vacuum unit IV. VRS / carbon canister (a) carbon canister, without lid / top plate (b) canister lid / top plate, with screws (5), 1 / 4-20 × 3/4 truss head (c) foam gasket and 425 Canister pad (d) activated carbon, 9.979 kilograms (22 pounds)
(E) Snap-in handle (f) Stand-off, canister base, threaded (g) Trim, lower edge Others (a) Safety goggles (b) For gloves and lamp handling

As seen in FIGS. 4-6, a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and outlined as a chemical waste collection and disposal system 100. Parts that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals. The disposal system 100 is a 55 gallon (208.2 liter) D.I. O. T.A. It includes a waste removal assembly 110 that is preferably attached to a drum or other housing, such as a standard drum 20, which has a drum bottom 14, a drum outer surface or side wall 12, and a drum inner hollow volume 16. A drum can lid 112 is provided and may include at least one handle, preferably two handles. A fixed lamp tube 38, preferably in a shape corresponding to the shape of the fluorescent lamp or other article to be inserted, may be provided on the drum can lid 112. The drum lid 112 can be removably secured to the top of the drum 20. Preferably, a gasket or other sealing member is provided to form a removable sealing connection between the drum can lid 112 and the drum 20.

  The fixed lamp tube 38 may preferably be adjacent to the motor assembly 30. The motor assembly 30 can have a 110V-120V or 220V configuration, or other value, and includes a power supply assembly 120 having an electrical cord 122 for plugging into a wall plug or other power output. Other power configurations, including but not limited to batteries and solar power, are within the scope of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed lamp tube 38 is preferably provided with an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening allows the fluorescent lamp 70 to be inserted into the lamp insertion tube 38, preferably vertically or diagonally (FIG. 6). Upon reaching the lower opening of the fixed lamp tube 38, the fluorescent lamp 70 is finally put into the drum 20 and hits a spinner assembly 36 connected to a shaft 34 driven by a motor assembly 30. One or more blades of the spinner assembly 36 shatter and / or shatter the fluorescent lamp 70 while rotating at a sufficient rotational speed per second, with most of the debris falling to the bottom of the drum (ie, a small amount). Can enter the filter assembly and be captured by one of the filter members). The fixed lamp tube 38 can be connected to the drum lid 112 by any conventional means. The fixed lamp tube 38 may be integrally formed with the drum lid 112 or otherwise integrally formed. When integrally formed or otherwise integrally formed, the lower opening of the fixed tube 38 may be the same as the tube insertion opening of the drum can lid 112. If the fixed tube 38 is not integrally formed or otherwise integrally formed, a separate drum can lid opening may be necessary, and when the fixed lamp tube 38 is secured to the drum can lid 112, the bottom of the fixed lamp tube 38 Aligned and adjacent to the opening. When the fixed lamp tube 38 is not integrally formed with the drum can lid 112, a sealing member such as a gasket or an O-ring can be provided at the time of fixing the tube 38 to the drum can lid 112. The above description regarding the relationship between the fixed lamp tube 38 and the drum can lid 112 is also applicable to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.

  In both embodiments of the present invention, the motor assembly 30 may be a high speed commercial motor to which a shaft to which one or more powerful crushing blades are fixed is attached.

  In either embodiment, a tube insertion extender 130 that can be removably secured to the fixed lamp tube 38 can be provided. The extender 130 may be generally tubular in shape and may be provided with a female receiving end 134 that fits to receive at least the outer top portion of the fixed lamp tube 38. Preferably, the removable connection of the extender 130 to the fixed lamp tube 38 may be a sealed connection with a gasket, O-ring, or other conventional sealing member. By adding the extender 130, the tube 38 is driven by one or more blades of the spinner assembly 36 because the distance from the point at which the lamp 70 is broken to the exposed opening 132 of the extender is relatively longer than the upper opening of the tube 38. Even if the crushed glass blows up into the tube 38 after it has been crushed, the safety of the person inserting the lamp into the system 10 or 100 is increased. The female receiving end 134 can be integrally formed or otherwise integrally formed with the rest of the extender 130.

  Alternatively, the female receiving end 134 may be a separate part from the rest of the extender 130 and, in use, one end to the fixed tube 38 (preferably with a seal connection) and the opposite end to the extender 130 (preferably Can be a removably connected adapter. Finally, the female receiving end is formed integrally with or otherwise configured with the fixed tube 38, and the extender 130 is removably (and preferably sealed) inserted into the female receiving end 134 of the fixed tube 38. Thus, it is within the scope of the present invention that the remaining portion of the extender 130 is removably secured to the stationary tube 38.

  The diameter of the circular openings in the extender 130 and the stationary tube 38 can be about 6.35 centimeters (2.5 inches), although other diameter sizes are available and are also within the scope of the present invention. Is considered. The diameter size of the receiving end / adapter 134 allows the receiving end / adapter 134 to function as a female portion at the connection point and to act as a male portion at each connection point with the tube 38 and extender 130 at the receiving end / adapter 134. Preferably, it may be slightly larger than the diameter size of tube 38 or extender 130. Fixed tube 38, receiving end / adapter 134, and extender 130 may be constructed from any suitable metallic material or any other suitable material.

  Providing a second lamp insertion opening in drum can lid 112 to supply a specific shape of lamp through drum can lid 112 (eg, a circular line, U-shape, other non-straight tube shape, straight tube shape, etc.) You can also. The shape of the second opening may be approximately rectangular, but other shapes may be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention. If a substantially rectangular second opening is selected, a box-like member 200 can be provided in the drum can 112 and aligned with the second lamp insertion opening. The bottom of the box-like member 200 may be pivotable between a closed position (preferably sealed) and an open position. The box top 202 may also be pivotable between a closed position (preferably sealed) and an open position. One or more connecting rods or other connecting members (collectively referred to as “connecting rods”) may be provided, each of which is attached at one end to the bottom of the box-like member 200 and at the opposite end to the top 202. Thus, when the top 202 is moved to the open position by the user or another person ("user"), the bottom is moved to the closed position (preferably sealed) by the length and connecting point of the connecting rod.

  In this configuration, when the user places the lamp (s) to be crushed (eg, a circular line, U-shape, etc.) into the box-like member 200, the lamp rests on and / or is supported by the bottom. Subsequently, when the user moves the top portion 202 to the closed position (preferably sealed), the connecting rod moves the bottom portion to the open position, so that the lamp (s) already contained in the box-like member 202 is received. It falls through the second lamp insertion opening of the drum can lid 112 and hits one or more blades of the spinner assembly 36 to be crushed and / or crushed.

  The dimensions of the second tube insertion opening may be about 5.08 centimeters (2 inches) by about 35.56 centimeters (14 inches), but such dimensions are given as examples and are limited. Is not considered. Accordingly, other dimensions may be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, but not limited to, the specific dimensions of the box-like member 200 may correspond to or be based on the dimensions of the second tube insertion opening of the drum can lid 112. Box-shaped member 200 may extend approximately 14 inches vertically from drum can lid 112, but in this regard, such dimensions are not considered limiting and other heights may be selected. This is often considered within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, when the system 10 or 100 is not in use, the upper portion 202 can be in a closed position sealed against the box-like member 200 and the upper opening of the fixed tube 38 can be sealed. The fixed tube 38 can be sealed by a conventional plug or cap. The upper portion 202 is preferably sealed by a gasket member disposed around the box-like member 200, where the gasket member contacts the upper portion 202 which is now in the closed position. Other conventional sealing devices and members may be used for sealing in the fixed tube 38 and / or the upper portion 202 and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

  The filtration assembly 160 can be attached to the drum 20 by any conventional removable or non-removable attachment method, such as brackets, hooks, welds, bands, etc., all of which are considered within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the filter assembly 160 may be physically supported on the top of the drum 20 or preferably the drum lid 112 by a bracket member that is attached to or otherwise associated with the outer housing 162 of the assembly 160. The bracket may be a metal bracket, but this is not considered a limitation and other suitable materials may be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention. Filter assembly 160 preferably performs multi-stage filtration through a plurality of filter members 166, 168, 170, and 172.

  One end of a preferably flexible hose member or other conduit 150 can be attached to the drum can lid (to form a seal connection) so that air and mercury vapor smashed bulb (s) or lamp ( It can be extracted from (multiple). The opposite end of the hose 150 communicates with the first stage filter member 166 of the multi-stage filtration assembly 160. When the filter assembly motor is activated, a vacuum is created (negative pressure) and air and vapor (such as mercury vapor from crushed bulbs and lamps) in the drum 20 are moved to the filter assembly 160 through the hose 150. Let Upon passing through a series of filter members of the filter assembly 160, clean and safe air is expelled from an opening in the filter assembly 160, preferably but not limited to the top of the housing 162.

  A small tube 151 on the drum lid 112 may form a male member that is received by the first end of the hose 150 to attach the hose 150 to the drum lid 112. A bracket member 163 having a hollow male member may be attached to the outer housing 162 of the filter assembly 160 and aligned with the opening of the filter housing 162. The hollow male member of the bracket member 163 is received by the second end of the hose for attaching the hose 150 to the outer housing 162. A small tube member 165 is attached to the inner wall of the outer housing 162, welded, or otherwise connected to align with the hollow male member of the bracket member 163. Therefore, when the hose 150 is correctly connected, the inside of the drum 20 and the inner region of the outer housing 162 communicate with each other. The hose 150 can be connected on the drum lid 112 at a location that may be effective to capture mercury vapor, regardless of whether a lamp or bulb is inserted into the stationary tube 38 or box 200. Is preferred. Further, the spinner assembly 36 is arranged with respect to the drum can lid 112 so that the light bulb inserted into the fixed tube 38 or the box-shaped member 200 can be breached and / or crushed.

  Thus, mercury vapor emitted from a shattered fluorescent lamp or bulb is generated by a multistage filtration assembly 160 that generally includes an outer housing 162, a high efficiency vacuum system 164, and a plurality of filter members 166, 168, 170, and 172. Negative pressure can be pulled from the 55 gallon (208.2 liter) drum through hose 150. As seen in FIG. 4, power for the vacuum motor 164 is provided by the power source 120, although other power sources are within the scope of the present invention.

High efficiency multi-stage filtration begins with a disposable collection bag 166 that is connected over a small tube 165 to communicate with the hose 150. Bag 166 collects, but is not limited to, dry contaminated particulates such as crushed glass pieces and dust extracted through hose 150 by the negative pressure generated by vacuum motor 164, such as relatively large particles. Second stage filtration includes, but is not limited to, additional filter bags such as an anti-stick Dacron filter bag 168 that prevents particulates from entering the additional filtration stage. The filter bag 168 may be provided as a safety device if the collection bag 166 is overfilled, ruptured, or otherwise fails to function properly. Furthermore, a secondary paper filter (not shown) may be provided to collect relatively large sized particles (such as dust) that may escape from the collection bag 166. The secondary paper filter can extend the useful life of the Dacron filter bag 168. The Dacron filter bag 168 is substantially water-repellent and can be substantially non-clinging to wash off water, soot, and other particles, so that the HEPA filter 170 can be dampened. Protect from large dust particles.

  Thus, particulates that are normally collected in the bag 166 are blocked by the filter bag 168 (and possibly a secondary paper filter, if provided), thereby compromising the performance of the filters 170 and 172, or They will not be affected in any other way. Comparative small particulates, air, steam, etc. that pass through the collection bag 166 and / or the filter bag 168 are attracted to the HEPA filter 170 by the negative pressure generated by the vacuum motor 164, and the HEPA filter 170 is used to extend its useful life. It is protected by the micro impact filter 171. The micro-impact filter 171 can be in the form of a filter pad and can consist of a specially processed, high-efficiency, high-density glass fiber fabric that is designed to trap particulates before reaching the HEPA filter 170.

  The HEPA filter 170 is preferably provided in a housing member 173 such as, but not limited to, a substantially circular aluminum housing. The length of the housing 173 can be longer than the length of the HEPA filter 170 so that the micro impact filter 171 is also accommodated by the housing 173. The HEPA filter 170 removes particulates from the air and vapor streams. HEPA filter 170 may have a collection rate of 0.3 micron particles of 99.97% (according to DOP test method) but with different collection rates (higher or lower) Other HEPA filters may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

  After exiting the HEPA filter 170, only gas (air) and mercury vapor remain in effect and continue to be extracted by the vacuum motor 164 and sent to the activated carbon filter 172. The activated carbon filter 172 collects or captures mercury vapor, but allows gas (air) to pass through and the air is exhausted into the environment through an opening or vent 174 at the top of the housing 162. Thus, the activated carbon filter 172 collects, stores, and / or neutralizes virtually all harmful mercury vapor (toxins) and causes clean air to be expelled from the filter assembly 160 into the environment.

  A pressure gauge 190, such as a Minometer or other differential pressure gauge, may be provided to detect potential problems and potential leaks related to the operation of one or more components of the filter assembly 160 or hose 150. One end of a hose or other conduit or tube 192 is connected to the pressure gauge 190. The opposite end of hose 192 is placed inside drum 20 through an opening (preferably sealed) in drum can lid 112. The hose 192 can be held in place by a clip or other conventional securing member. A “low pressure” reading or other threshold reading from the pressure gauge may indicate that the vacuum motor 164 is not producing the required negative pressure in the drum 20, which may be a leak, filter or charcoal bed. One is caused by the need for replacement or cleaning, the hose 150 being clogged, etc. The pressure gauge 190 can be attached to the top of the drum can lid 112 by any conventional attachment member.

Finally, a trolley / dolly 250 (“dolly”) may be provided to transport the system 10 or 100. In addition, the dolly 250 may be provided with a flange 252 that allows the dolly to be maintained in a tilted stationary position. This tilted position provides more clearance from the ceiling (ie, a low ceiling environment such as a cruise ship) in order to supply ramps, particularly long ramps, to the extender 130 and / or the fixed tube 38. In one embodiment, the static angle can be about 45 °. However, the present invention is not considered to be limited to 45 °, and any angle that provides sufficient clearance can be used and is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The system 10 or 100 can be attached to the dolly 250 by any conventional means such as a strap, band, rope, or the like.

  In all embodiments, one or more blades of the spinner assembly are adapted to crush and crush various types of lamps and bulbs, including but not limited to lamps and bulbs with anti-scatter coatings. The shape can be made. Various motors of the present invention may be provided with an on / off switch. All references to hoses may also include other conduits such as pipes, tubes and the like. The present invention is not limited to any particular shape (s) or size (s) of the lamp or bulb.

  In a preferred embodiment, drum 20 is conventional and unaltered. Thus, when the drum 20 is full, the lid 112 with all components attached can be removed and placed on the empty drum 20. Drums full of crushed bulbs and lamps can be labeled and disposed of in accordance with any relevant laws, regulations, rules, etc.

  Thus, although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown, the invention may be embodied in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described herein, and within the above embodiments, the basic principles of the invention may be embodied. It should be understood that certain changes may be made in the form and configuration of parts without departing from the concept or principle.

1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a chemical waste collection, storage, and disposal system of the present invention. It is a top view of embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 showing a motor assembly and a fixed lamp tube. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the chemical waste collection, storage, and disposal system of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 showing a portion of the filter assembly housing in cut or cross section to show a multi-stage filter member. FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 shown in an inclined position.

Claims (22)

A fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system for fluorescent lamps containing hazardous substances,
A housing having sidewalls and a bottom surface defining an interior region;
A cover member having an upper surface, the cover member protruding upward from the upper surface and receiving a fluorescent lamp and allowing the fluorescent lamp to enter the inner region of the housing through the cover member When,
Means for crushing the fluorescent lamp received by the tube member into a plurality of debris and releasing dangerous substances contained in the fluorescent lamp before crushing;
A hose member having a first end connected to the cover member so as to communicate with the internal region of the housing;
A multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly having a plurality of filter members and a vacuum motor, wherein the vacuum motor is disposed after the final filter of the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly and generates a negative pressure vacuum in the interior region of the housing A multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly,
A second end of the hose member is connected to the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly such that the hose member is in communication with a first filter member of the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly;
The negative pressure vacuum generated by the vacuum motor causes at least most of the hazardous material to be drawn through the hose member into the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly, substantially at the end of the multi-stage filtration and filtration by the vacuum assembly. A gas free of hazardous substances is exhausted from the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly;
A fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system, wherein at least some of the fragments of the crushed fluorescent lamp are stored in the internal region of the housing.   The fluorescent lamp collection and disposal system according to claim 1, wherein the tube member is disposed substantially perpendicular to the drum can cover. The crushing means is connected to the drum can cover, and the fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system includes:
A spinner assembly having one or more blades;
A motor assembly in communication with the spinner assembly;
Means for powering the motor assembly;
The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent lamp is crushed by the one or more blades of the spinner assembly when supplied through the tube member.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of filters include a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system of claim 1, wherein the housing is substantially a 55 gallon (208.2 liter) drum.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 1, wherein the hose member is a substantially flexible vacuum hose.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 1, wherein the hazardous substance is mercury vapor. The plurality of filters further includes a collection bag and a substantially non-stick Dacron filter bag, wherein a first stage of filtration is performed by the collection bag, and a final stage of filtration is performed by the activated carbon filter. The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 4.   The fluorescent lamp recovery of claim 1, further comprising an extension member removably secured to the tube member of the cover member and extending a distance traveled before the fluorescent lamp is crushed by the crushing means. And disposal system.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 5, wherein the cover member is a drum lid.   The cover member further includes a box-shaped member extending upward from the upper surface of the cover member, and the box-shaped member has a bottom surface, a side wall, and an upper portion, and the upper portion is moved when the upper portion is moved to an open position. The bottom surface moves to a closed position where a lamp to be crushed is placed in a box-shaped member, and when the upper portion moves to a closed position, the bottom surface is placed in the internal region of the housing to be crushed. 2. The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 1 connected to the bottom surface for movement to an open position to be crushed by means.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 11, wherein the box-like member allows a non-straight tube lamp to be inserted into the housing through the cover member.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure gauge in communication with the interior region of the housing for reading a pressure level in the housing. A fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system for fluorescent lamps containing hazardous substances,
A drum having a sidewall and a bottom surface defining an interior region;
A drum can lid having an upper surface, wherein the cover member protrudes upward from the upper surface, receives the straight tube fluorescent lamp, and enters the straight tube fluorescent lamp through the cover member to the inner region of the housing. A tubular member extending upward from the upper surface of the cover member, the box-shaped member having a bottom surface, a side wall, and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion is in the open position. When moved, the bottom surface moves to a closed position in which a non-straight tube lamp to be crushed is placed in a box-like member, and when the upper portion moves to a closed position, the non-straight tube lamp in which the bottom surface is placed is moved to the A drum lid that is connected to the bottom surface for movement to an open position to enter the interior region;
The straight tube fluorescent lamp received by the tube member or the non-straight tube lamp contained in the box-shaped member is crushed into a plurality of pieces, and the mercury vapor already contained before crushing is crushed into the straight tube fluorescent lamp. Or means for discharging from the non-straight tube lamp;
A vacuum hose having a first end connected to the cover member so as to communicate with the internal region of the housing;
A multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly having a plurality of filter members and a vacuum motor, wherein the vacuum motor is disposed after the final filter of the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly and generates a negative pressure vacuum in the interior region of the housing A multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly,
A second end of the hose member is connected to the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly such that the hose member is in communication with a first filter member of the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly;
The negative pressure vacuum generated by the vacuum motor causes at least a majority of mercury vapor to be drawn through the hose member into the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly, substantially at the end of filtration by the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly. A gas free of mercury vapor is exhausted from the multi-stage filtration and vacuum assembly;
A fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system, wherein at least some of the fragments of the crushed straight tube fluorescent lamp or non-straight tube lamp are stored in the internal region of the housing. The crushing means is connected to the drum can cover, and the fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system includes:
A spinner assembly having one or more blades;
A motor assembly in communication with the spinner assembly;
Means for powering the motor assembly;
15. The fluorescent lamp collection and disposal system of claim 14, wherein the fluorescent lamp is crushed by the one or more blades of the spinner assembly when supplied through the tube member.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of filters includes a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.   15. The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system of claim 14, wherein the drum is substantially a 55 gallon (208.2 liter) drum.   The plurality of filters further includes a collection bag and a substantially non-stick Dacron filter bag, wherein a first stage of filtration is performed by the collection bag, and a final stage of filtration is performed by the activated carbon filter. The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 16.   15. The fluorescent lamp recovery of claim 14, further comprising an extension member removably secured to the tube member of the cover member and extending a distance traveled before the fluorescent lamp is crushed by the crushing means. And disposal system.   The fluorescent lamp recovery and disposal system according to claim 14, further comprising a pressure gauge in communication with the interior region of the housing for reading the pressure level in the housing. A method of collecting and disposing of a fluorescent lamp containing at least one hazardous substance,
(A) inserting the fluorescent lamp into the receiving member;
(B) crushing the inserted fluorescent lamp into a plurality of fragments and releasing the at least one hazardous substance contained therein;
(C) collecting at least a portion of the plurality of debris in an interior region of the housing;
(D) capturing a majority of the released at least one hazardous substance by a multi-stage filtration assembly;
(E) storing the captured at least one hazardous substance, and recovering and discarding the fluorescent lamp containing the at least one dangerous substance.   The steps (a) and (b) include inserting the fluorescent lamp into a tube member associated with a cover member and a spinner assembly that breaks the fluorescent lamp into a plurality of pieces to release the at least one hazardous material. 22. A method for recovering and disposing of a fluorescent lamp comprising at least one hazardous substance according to claim 21 comprising the step of:

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